The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory (Penguin Dictionary),   ISBN:9780140513639

Customer Rating: 

I am a first year PhD student in comparative literature and I was hoping that this book would illuminate some of the often obscure terms used in my field of study. However, the two times I consulted the book trying to find a concise definition of a rather common term (the first one being simulacrum and the second one being metaphysics), I was disappointed by absence. There is a definition of "metaphysical," but it only refers to a British literary movement, and not to the term used in philosophy. I am sorry to be the first reviewer to give this dictionary less than three stars, but a so-called dictionary of literary theory that doesn't contain terms that aren't exactly uncommon in the field deserves no more.

Customer Rating: 

While our item arrived in a timely manner, the shrink wrapped book was tattered on the edges. I selected and purchased a new book, not one chewed up and torn.

Customer Rating: 

Long ago and far away, I majored in English--and I wish I'd had this book!

If your kid is struggling with a course in literature, this is an excellent book to have on hand. It's easy to read and easy to understand.
Mine is tattered from 8 years of kids writing papers in prep school English, and also from my own meanderings through its pages.

It not only defines a literary term (such as 'comedy of manners,'or 'Proustian')it provides examples from literature (including extensive quotes from time to time) to complete the explanation. When there is disagreement or ambiguity about a term, the text contains both points of view.

I found that it was of tremendous use when the kids were studying (the especially hated) poetry, or had to write what amounted to lit crit.

I'd buy this again, no doubt about it.

Customer Rating: 

Literary terms can get a bit tricky after a while. This was very useful. Discriptive but concise.

Customer Rating: 

I've had this book for almost a month now, and I have to say that I am very impressed. I bought it because it was suggested as an extra source of information in my English Literature class. I am still waiting for the recommended text (Abram's 'A Glossary of Literary Terms'), so this one has definitely come in handy. Each time I look in it, I find new words and phrases to learn about (including the ones I 'have' to look up), and it is a delight. My mother used to tell us that her mother's frequent recommendation was 'Make a friend of your dictionary!'and I have. I like knowing which 'big' words I can use to truly express myself, and Cuddon's 'Dictionary of Literary Terms & Literary Theory'(published by Penguin in 1999 and revised by CE Preston), is going to be a very good 'friend' indeed! In my opinion, it is on a par with Abram's text, in fact it might be more accurate to say that they complement each other. I definitely recommend it to anyone studying English Literature, and anyone who just likes to read.